The Local Hub

IFS Sanctuary Strolls
2025-10-05 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Iowa Farm Sanctuary, 1696 250th St NW, Oxford, Iowa, 52322, United States
Join us at the farm each Sunday between May 25th and October 12th for a relaxing visit to our tranquil sanctuary. Meet our rescued farm animal residents and explore the gorgeous unpaved walking trail. Volunteers are on hand to share stories about the animals. Vegan picnics are encouraged! Advance tickets will be available online for each event, but tickets are also available at the door.

Press Presents: Iowa City Rocks!
2025-10-06 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-03 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Press Coffee, 1120 N. Dodge St, Iowa City, Iowa, 52245, United States
Join us on the first Monday of every month for rock painting!

Started by friend of the shop, Joy MacVey, and Press’s own Hannah, the Iowa City Rocks! Facebook group came about during the pandemic as a way to spread good vibes through the community with color and kind words.

Simply: paint a rock, seal it with resin to protect your masterpiece from the elements, and then place it out in the world for someone to find. On the bottom of each rock is a label directing the finder to post a photo of it to the Iowa City Rocks group and then keep it or rehide it.

We have a collection of supplies you may need but encourage donations of any of the following items:-monetary donations to purchase more supplies.-rocks (please clean/dry them)-acrylic paint-stickers-resin

Halloween Trail
2025-10-10 10:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Liberty Centre Pond, 745 Community Drive, North Liberty, IA, 52317, United States
Trick-or-treat with local business and organizations as you follow the trail around Liberty Centre Pond. Along the way meet friendly Halloween spirits, see Spooktacular decorations and enjoy photo ops. Costumes are welcome but not required.

Two sessions allow families to choose between a daylight or evening experience.
Morning: 10-11 AM
Evening: 6:30-8 PM

This event is part of the City Slate. The yearlong schedule of events is made possible by Centro, Inc., Collins Community Credit Union, Corda Credit Union, The Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Hills Bank, MidWestOne Bank, South Slope Cooperative Communications, University of Iowa Health Care, Urban Acres Real Estate and Veridian Credit Union.

Iowa City Farmers Market
2025-10-11 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-18 07:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-25 07:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, 405 E Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Open-air market with fresh, homegrown produce, baked goods, handicrafts, plants, and flowers. Enjoy live music and activities in the park each week.

Notable Dates:
September 20: Kid’s MarketOctober 25: Halloween at the Market and Closing Day

Visit www.icgov.org/farmersmarket for more information.

BOO at the Barn
2025-10-11 13:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Iowa
Boo at the Barn
The barn is buzzing with autumn magic, and our horses can’t wait to show off their costumes! Step into a world of friendly frights and cozy delights—with trick-or-treating around the farm, games and activities for all ages and abilities, and even the horses get in on the Halloween fun.

Date: October 11thTime: 1:00-3:30pm and a 12-1pm sensory-friendly hourLocation: Miracles in Motion Farm2049 120th St NW, Swisher IA 52338
This community event is free admission!
Wear your best costume (kids and adults, too!) Collect treats, play games, and take photos you’ll treasure Help support our herd and programs with your presence & donations

It’s a magical mash-up of Halloween and heartwarming barn life—come make memories that will last longer than your candy stash!

Move It! Dig It! Do It!
2025-10-12 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Grab your hard hat and take an up-close look at large construction equipment, big trucks, and emergency vehicles! Our biggest outdoor event of the year takes place just outside of the museum in the Coral Ridge Mall parking lot.

Please join us for games, activities, and vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Check back soon, as more details and event activities will be added as the day approaches.

Outdoor activities are FREE of charge. To play in our indoor exhibits, tickets must be purchased at the door.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: Coral Ridge Mall, City of Coralville, and Greenstate Credit Union.

Trail of Treats
2025-10-18 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, 3340 Black Hawk Ave NW, Oxford, IA, 52322, United States
Trail of Treats at Sleepy Hollow Campground A spooky stroll for all ages — open to the public!

Get ready for a night of Halloween magic at Sleepy Hollow’s Trail of Treats! Walk our trail around the lake, lined with themed trick-or-treat stations hosted by campground residents and local businesses, glowing lights, and festive surprises. Costumes are encouraged — whether you’re spooky, silly, or sweet, there’s candy waiting for you at every turn. Plus – Wich-uh-Waffle will be on site with their incredible food truck for sweet and savory treats for an additional cost.

S’mores, Crafts, Cider, Hayrides and other fun surprises! Definitely worth the trip! From Cedar Rapids – 30 minutesFrom Coralville – 15 minutesFrom Williamsburg – 15 minutes

Saturday, October 18th6:30-8:30pmSleepy Hollow Campground, Oxford, IA

This event is open to the public — bring your friends, your family, and your best Halloween spirit! No RSVP required.If you or your business is interested in participating in this fun event, please contact Jen English

Johnson County’s Largest Trunk-Or-Treat
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Iowa River Landing, 801 E 2nd Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us for a spooktacular afternoon at Trunk or Treat 2025! The biggest family-friendly Halloween celebration in Johnson County!

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025Time: 2–4 PMLocation: Von Maur Parking Lot, Iowa River Landing in Coralville, IA

What to expect:-Dozens of local businesses with creatively decorated trunks-Candy, games, and activities for kids of all ages-A safe, festive, and fun space for families to celebrate Halloween together

Last year’s event drew nearly 3,000 kids/adults + 45 businesses participated! Bring your costumes, grab your treat bags, and get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon! This event is FREE to attend and open to the public. Costumes are highly encouraged!

Sensory Friendly Night
2025-10-26 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us on the last Sunday of each month for Sensory Friendly Night!

This event is designed for families with members who experience sensory sensitivities, are on the autism spectrum, or who have any health needs that would make a quieter visit more enjoyable. We understand that the museum can be a bustling place. During Sensory Friendly Night, we provide adjusted sound levels and limit attendance to create a calmer environment. Families can explore the museum at their own pace. As always, we have KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ signage to help you navigate exhibits and sensory bags available for checkout at the front desk. Our Family Sanctuary is also available for guest use at any time.

Admission is free during Sensory Friendly Night, thanks to our friends at GreenState Credit Union.

Join us for a fun evening and let your child explore and learn in a comfortable and supportive environment!

Grand Opening Event
2025-11-01 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | Wild Birds Unlimited, 650 W Cherry St, North Liberty, IA, 52317, United States
You are invited to the Grand Opening Event for Wild Birds Unlimited on Saturday, November 1st from 9:00am-5:00pm at 650 W Cherry St, right next to The Bluebird Cafe!
The first 100 customers will get a FREE Bird Feeder! Enter to win prizes, like a BirdReel Smart Birdfeeder Cam, Vortex Binoculars, Advanced Pole System Setup, Cardinal Confetti Tube Feeder, $50 gift card and more! Special guest: Iowa Raptor Project will have a LIVE RAPTOR with programs at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 AM

Pumpkin Smash
2025-11-01 10:00 - 18:00 UTC | Colony Acres, 1150 S. Front St., North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Don’t toss those pumpkins, smash them! Join us for one of the most exciting days of the season as we send pumpkins flying, crashing, and splattering in every way imaginable. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect grand finale to fall!

HOURS: Saturday ONLY 10 AM – 6 PM

Disco Ball
2025-11-01 19:00 - 23:00 UTC | First Avenue Club, 1550 S. 1st Ave, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Get your groove on at our 2nd Annual Disco Ball!

Join us on Saturday, November 1st from 7-11 PM at First Avenue Club (1550 S. 1st Avenue, Iowa City) for a night of non-stop dancing with a focus on the legendary sounds of Motown.
Put on your dancing shoes and break out those groovy disco costumes – get ready to boogie down at Iowa City’s most anticipated dance party of the year! Your $25 ticket gets you in the door, includes one free beer/wine/soda, dancing, the best music of the disco era and more! Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the night.

Make someone’s night extra special by dedicating a disco or Motown song to a friend, family member, or fellow dancer! With a $20 donation (or more), choose from classic hits like “Super Freak,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Brick House,” and more. DJ Doctor E will give your dedication a shout-out when your song is played! Submit Your Disco Dedication HERE – https://bit.ly/3KWDW9z –

Want a sneak peek? Check out the Disco Dedications Playlist on our Spotify channel — curated by Eric Johnson, Development Director at Summer of the Arts! Listen here: Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3X61W3WxSbq0pZ2l46Lkz2…

Strike a pose at our disco-themed selfie station and share your memories with #SOTAIC. This event is 21+ only and the mirror ball is waiting to shine on you as we celebrate with classic hits, disco lights, and pure dancing joy. Come as you are and leave with memories that’ll last forever – this is THE party you don’t want to miss!

English as a Second Language
2025-11-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | North Liberty Library, 520 W. Cherry St, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Are you looking to improve your English in a relaxed and supportive environment? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our ESL class is here to help you on your language journey.

What to Expect:• Casual Atmosphere: Enjoy learning in a low-key, friendly setting.• Interactive Sessions: Practice speaking, listening, and understanding English through engaging activities.• Supportive Community: Connect with others who are also learning English and share your experiences.

Conversations host, Alice, graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, IL in 2015, and then spent two years teaching English in Ukraine.
Come and join us at the library for a fun and educational experience!

Afterschool Studio
2025-11-06 15:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us on the first Thursday of each month for Afterschool Studio—special activities designed for elementary-aged kids and their families. Each session features a new hands-on challenge that blends science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Our museum educators will guide kids as they tinker, build, and create—while families learn and explore together.

No registration required; just stop by the museum and dive into the theme of the month!

Upcoming themes include:
October 2 – Lights and Shadows ExplorationNovember 6 – All Things TechDecember 4 – Make and Give: Light Up Card

Life-Size Candyland
2025-11-07 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | North Liberty Library, 520 W. Cherry St, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Have you ever played a game so big that you were the pieces? You are invited to experience our first ever, life-sized version of Candyland! Pass through the Peppermint Forest and over the Gumdrop Mountains in a race to King Kandy’s castle!

Stop by the transformed Gerdin Conference Center for candy and fun. Open to kids of all ages and their families/friends. The game board will be open Friday 11/7 from 5-7pm and Saturday 11/8 from 2-4pm.

Contact Kayla or Zoe at the North Liberty Library with questions.

Beyond the Plate
2025-11-13 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Field Day Brewing Co, 925 Liberty Way, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Lunch with with Robin Springer Letting Go of Outdated Beliefs About Money
Thursday, November 1311:00 – Arrival and order lunch11:15 – Cara Flynn will introduce speakerPresentation followed by Q&A

Beyond the Plate is a monthly lunch series hosted by Cara Flynn, designed to spark meaningful conversations over great food. Each month features a new guest speaker exploring topics that inspire curiosity and growth—like relationships, wellness, mindfulness, personal empowerment, and more. Come hungry for connection, community, and fresh ideas that go far beyond what’s on your plate.

Robin Springer takes a heart based approach to all her endeavors. As The Chief Energy Officer of Robin Springer Consulting, she’s on a mission to help business owners achieve their dreams by releasing the fear of money. As the Chief Fun Officer of Robinia Presents, she facilitates events designed to help people connect with themselves, each other and the Divine in order to live as their most authentic selves.

Community Bingo @ The Black Rose
2025-11-14 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | The Black Rose, 116 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Join us for a relaxed evening of laughs, friendly competition, and community connection at 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑩𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒐 𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, hosted by Main Street West Branch! This exciting event series is designed to bring people together at local eateries, raise funds to support downtown revitalization projects, and provide an all-ages activity that the whole community can enjoy.

This all-ages event will take place at The Black Rose where guests can enjoy dinner, drinks and shopping to support one of our newest downtown businesses!

Here’s how it works:• $1 per card, per round – sold in packs of 5 or 10.• Cash prizes for the first winner of each round (up to $50 or half the pot)• Prize table picks for the second winner of each round.• We’ll play 10 rounds (approx. 2 hours)• Cash or Venmo only• Daubers available for purchase ($2/each)

Please note: Seats and tables cannot be saved before 5:00 PM when card sales begin.
Bingo Nights have rotated to different downtown restaurants each quarter, giving attendees the opportunity to experience and support all our local favorites. It’s the perfect way to connect with neighbors, enjoy great food, and make a difference in our downtown community.

Come early, grab your favorite drink or menu item, and settle in for a fun, relaxed evening of Bingo in this warm & cozy atmosphere!
Prize rules and details at: mainstreetwestbranch.org/bingo

Learn & Play: Spirit Island
2025-11-14 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge, 119 2nd Street, Suite 300, Coralville, IA, 52241, United States
Island Spirits join forces using elemental powers to defend their home from invaders.

Looking for your next favorite game or to learn a game with others? Join local game guru, Scott Lewis, as their table welcomes anyone looking for a new gaming experience – with the benefit of having a knowledgeable guide to help you enjoy the game to the fullest, it’s sure to be a good time!

Game: Spirit Island

“Spirit Island is a complex and thematic co-operative game about defending your island home from colonizing Invaders. Players are different spirits of the land, each with its own unique elemental powers. Every turn, players simultaneously choose which of their power cards to play, paying energy to do so. Using combinations of power cards that match a spirit’s elemental affinities can grant free bonus effects. Faster powers take effect immediately, before the Invaders spread and ravage, but other magics are slower, requiring forethought and planning to use effectively. In the Spirit phase, spirits gain energy, and choose how / whether to Grow: to reclaim used power cards, to seek new power, or to spread their presence into new areas of the island.

The Invaders expand across the island map in a semi-predictable fashion. Each turn they explore into some lands (portions of the island); the next turn, they build in those lands, forming towns and cities. The turn after that, they ravage there, bringing blight to the land and attacking any native islanders present. The islanders fight back against the Invaders when attacked, and lend the spirits some other aid, but may not always do so exactly as you’d hoped. Some Powers work through the islanders, helping them, for example, to drive out the Invaders or clean the land of blight.”

Whether you’re looking to just get an overview, have a rundown of the rules, play a few rounds, or experience a full game, Scott will provide guidance and encouragement as players try out this new game together.

Twilight Thrift
2025-11-14 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | South District Market, 947 US-6, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Browse curated secondhand fashion and unique finds under the evening lights at South of 6’s newest pop-up market: Twilight Thrift.
Come enjoy an evening of shopping, food, drinks, and live music while supporting local resellers and makers. Whether you’re hunting for statement pieces, vintage gems, or just looking for a fun night out — this is the place to be.

November 14 Live music + good vibes Food & drinks available on site Thrift + resale vendors

Holiday Market
2025-11-15 08:00 - 13:00 UTC | Robert A Lee Community Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert St, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Shop our annual holiday markets for unique handmade gifts while supporting local farmers and artisans! Enjoy a wide variety of seasonal products and food. Free entry; vendors located in the 1st floor gym and 2nd floor social hall.
Saturdays, Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Robert A. Lee Rec CenteR

Downtown Holiday Kid’s Market
2025-11-15 10:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-16 10:30 - 15:00, 2025-11-17 10:30 - 15:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
November 15th – November 26th Shopping Appointments
The Downtown Holiday Kid’s Market Sponsored by GreenState Credit Union gives kids the joy of shopping for everyone on their holiday list – with the help from Santa’s helpers! Children learn to give thoughtfully, stick to a budget, and experience the magic of finding local treasures all on their own.

Parents, grandparents, or guardians will complete a quick form listing who the children are shopping for, along with their budget. Santa’s helpers then guide the kids through the market to choose and wrap gifts in secret.

How it works:
– Check in at the Holiday Pop-up Market in Black Hawk Mini Park. We recommend parking in Dubuque Street Ramp or Tower Place and Parking Ramp.– Parents/guardians complete a quick form listing who the child is shopping for and each person’s budget.– Santa’s helpers guide the kids through the market to choose and wrap gifts in secret.– Parents can enjoy a coffee or explore downtown while their child/children shop!– After 40 minutes, children will have their gifts purchased and wrapped – ready for the holidays.

Gift details: Items range from $5-$75 and include options for parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and more. All products are sourced from local Iowa City shops. Stores are reimbursed for all items sold.

Shopping Time: Each family (more than one child are welcome per shift) will have about 40 minutes to complete their shopping and gift wrapping. During this time, parents are welcome to go grab coffee or explore the downtown shops.

Gaymers Gathering
2025-11-15 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Press Coffee, 1120 N. Dodge St, Iowa City, Iowa, 52245, United States
Come out and enjoy an afternoon of gaming and conversation with other LGBTQ+ gaymers, hosted by Press Coffee & Diversions! Choose from a wide selection of games and build community with new and familiar faces at Gaymers Gathering, every third Saturday of the month from 2-5PM.

Diversions will have 40+ games to choose from, and will offer a ‘hosted table’ for folks who might arrive solo, gaymers who want to try a new game, or people looking for new social connections. Grab a name tag, pick out your (first) game, and enjoy — it’s as easy as that! Press Coffee is an accessible gathering space for all who want to join, and they’ll be serving up irresistible drinks and snacks.

All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend, whether you are looking to game or not. You can bring your own game or choose as many as you’d like from Diversions’ game library! Gaymers Gathering happens monthly at Press Coffee on the third Saturday — please confirm dates and times, as holidays and extenuating circumstances may cause changes to the schedule.

About Gaymers Gathering:Diversions hosts Gaymers Gatherings with the goal of building community and creating a safer, inclusive, and intentional space for the LGBTQ and gaming communities. We encourage you to stop by and roll some dice, puzzle over some pieces, embark on a quest, or just come to chat! As a Queer-owned business, Diversions is proud to offer these events for our community to enjoy.
